We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like The Children’s Museum to hidden gems like the Children’s Maze in White River State Park, there’s something in Naptown for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 15 kid-friendly activities around the 317.
John Green fans will remember “Funky Bones” from “The Fault in Our Stars.”
Photo via @indystreetart
🎨 All about the arts
Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
If you have a toddler or preschooler, be sure to bring them to Wee Wonders — a noontime program that encourages kids to sing songs, go on an Art Hunt, and make their own creations. Kids will remember climbing on “Funky Bones” at The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park afterward.
Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Spring break camps and special youth and teen classes are offered at this north side art destination off the Monon Trail, including lessons on wheel throwing and how to make key chains and movies. Kids will remember exploring the hallways full of art.
Imagine this scene, but filled with swan boats, kayaks, and gondolas.
Photo via @aquemyrig
🌳 Great outdoors
Canal Walk, downtown
Rent a swan pedal boat or a kayak and paddle your way through downtown with sights like art sculptures and the surrounding tall buildings. Kids will remember playing on the Children’s Maze in White River State Park afterward.
Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W. 56th St.
Hike around 3,900 acres of forest, have a picnic, and stop by one of the several playgrounds. Kids will remember being greeted by some sort of critter when they stop by the Earth Discovery Center.
🦁 Animal encounters
Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Youth will have the opportunity to “step into the story” at this live history museum and talk to specialists about several different farm animals at Animal Encounters. Kids will remember learning about how much a hog eats every day.
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Put your little one on the White River Junction Train and let them sit in the splash zone at the dolphin show at this city zoo. Kids will remember feeding the giraffes.
🧠 Educational activities
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Visit the largest children’s museum, explore the new Dinosphere exhibit and learn about the day-to-day work of real scientists. Kids will remember riding the carousel and the 3,200 pieces of blown glass in the Fireworks of Glass Chihuly masterpiece.
Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Your littlest ones will enjoy Firefly Landing — a learning space with hands-on activities designed for children 6-years-old and younger. Kids will remember hearing “Back Home Again in Indiana” play from the steam clock by the canal.
Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Discover Western and Native American art and explore diverse perspectives inside and outside of this downtown museum. Kids will remember playing downstairs and visiting Jingle Rails during the winter time.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Atomic Bowl, 1105 Prospect St.
Enter the basement of the old Fountain Square Theatre Building for an authentic 1950s duckpin bowling experience. Kids will remember snacking on chicken tenders and curly fries.
Zip City, 6650 Bluff Rd.
Watch your children fly down a zip line and hop on an indoor trampoline in this over 70,000 sqft facility. Kids will remember playing laser tag and hitting the ropes course.
🌳 Hit the trails
Monon Trail, downtown to Sheridan
Walk, roll, run, or bike along this over 20-mile trail that used to be an old railroad track. Kids will remember learning to ride their bikes on the trail and stopping by BRICS for a vanilla cone.
Indianapolis Cultural Trail, downtown
Stop and smell the flowers along this path that brings visitors to a number of downtown attractions, like Mass Avenue, the canal, and Lugar Plaza. Kids will remember rolling through on the Pacers Bikeshare bikes.
🎶 Movin’ and groovin’
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, various locations | 🎟️ Subscriptions available
The Teddy Bear Series presented by the Colts is a great way to educate your kids on the various symphony instruments through engaging stories. Kids will remember hearing the loud sound of a tuba for the first time.
Rhythm! Discovery Center, 127 E. Michigan St., Ste. 600 | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Though it’s closed right now due to flooding, the percussion museum will be reopening early this year to show your kids evolving drum sounds and teach them how drums are made. Kids will remember jamming in the Groove Space with the whole family.
🧃 Be prepared
Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.
- Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device for keepings kids quiet, happy, and entertained during car rides around town.
- Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
- Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to your adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
- Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
- Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
